Castor Oil Seed.

Some Useful Hints.

[Letter to the Editor] On the subject of producing Castor Oil seeds —planters and others would do well to consider the class of seed they intend to plant up.

In a recent conversation, which the writer had with Mr. Lycett, of Mel bourne (he is the largest importer of Castor Oil seed used for manufacturing purposes in Australia). Mr. Lycett sug gested that the cause of so many com plaints about the inferiority of the seed forwarded to them, lies not in the seed; but in the local conditions under which the young seeds tried to germinate.

With the exception of a very small amount grown in N.S.W., all the Castor seed is imported from India, small parcels being sent to Sydney for distri bution to Papua, N.G. and other islands.

The Castor plant thrives abundantly in India, but when it is planted outside India, and in such places as the Islands

mentioned, it is new to the climate, and soil, and the local pests and insects im mediately imagine that it has been sent for their special benefit, and attack the seeds vigorously.

Mr. Lycett receives letters from planters by every mail, asking him for advice about the Castor seeds. He suggests that to make it profitable the planter should sow with the local seeds, which are able to withstand pests, etc.

On many islands, the Castor Oil plants may be seen growing wild. The seeds of these would do, if properly cultivated.

On the other hand, “The Pacific Islands Monthly,” in an earlier issue, wrote on profitable side-lines, and mentioned that readers could obtain reliable seeds from the Penrith district, in N.S.W. That, again, is very good advice, and should be followed, says Mr. Lycett.

Mr. George H. Murray, F.E.S., Director of Agriculture, Rabaul, would be pleased to help planters with practical advice on the Ricinus communis (Castor Oil) and good seeds at 1/6 per lb. (10 lbs. to the acre).

I am, etc.,

R. Bruce.

6 Grant Av., Balwyn, Melbourne.